Tadalafil and Bromocriptine: Can You Take Them Together?
Learn about the interaction, safety checks, and what to tell your prescriber during your UK consultation.
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Tadalafil and Bromocriptine: Understanding the Interaction
Published: 18 October 2026
Many men wonder whether tadalafil and bromocriptine can be taken together safely. The good news is that no major interaction between these two medicines is commonly reported in clinical practice, but your prescriber will still check your full medication list during consultation to ensure the combination is appropriate for you. Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction, while bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist prescribed for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, hyperprolactinaemia, and certain pituitary tumours.
At a glance
What Is Tadalafil and How Does It Work?
Tadalafil is the generic name for Cialis, a prescription medicine licensed in the UK to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow when you are sexually aroused [3][4].
Tadalafil is available in two forms: on-demand tablets (10mg or 20mg) taken at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, with effects lasting up to 36 hours, and daily low-dose tablets (2.5mg or 5mg) taken once a day. Unlike some other ED treatments, tadalafil's long duration means you don't need to time it as precisely, giving you more flexibility [4].
It's important to remember that tadalafil will not work without sexual stimulation. Common side effects include headache, indigestion, back pain, and flushing. Tadalafil is only available on prescription in the UK after a clinical assessment by a registered prescriber, who will check your medical history and current medicines to ensure it is safe for you [4].
What Is Bromocriptine and Why Is It Prescribed?
Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist, meaning it mimics the action of dopamine, a natural chemical messenger in the brain. It is prescribed for several conditions, including Parkinson's disease (where it helps control movement symptoms), hyperprolactinaemia (high levels of the hormone prolactin, which can cause infertility and sexual problems), and certain types of pituitary tumours called prolactinomas.
In some cases, high prolactin levels themselves can contribute to erectile dysfunction in men, so treating the underlying condition with bromocriptine may actually improve sexual function. Bromocriptine works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, which in turn reduces prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland.
Common side effects of bromocriptine include nausea, dizziness, headache, and low blood pressure, especially when standing up. Because bromocriptine can lower blood pressure, your prescriber will want to know if you are taking it alongside any other medicine that affects blood pressure, including tadalafil. Always take bromocriptine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, and do not stop it suddenly without medical advice.
Tadalafil and Bromocriptine: Is There an Interaction?
No major interaction between tadalafil and bromocriptine is commonly reported in standard drug interaction databases or clinical practice. This means that, for most men, taking these two medicines together is not expected to cause significant problems. However, both medicines can lower blood pressure, so there is a theoretical risk that the combination might add to this effect, potentially causing dizziness or light-headedness.
Your prescriber will assess your individual circumstances during the online consultation. They will review your full medication list, your medical history (including any heart or blood pressure conditions), and check whether the combination is appropriate for you. If you are stable on bromocriptine and have no other risk factors, tadalafil is usually considered safe to use, starting at the lowest effective dose.
It is essential to declare all your current medicines—prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements—when you request tadalafil. Even though no major interaction is expected with bromocriptine, your prescriber needs the complete picture to make a safe decision. Never stop or change your bromocriptine dose without speaking to the doctor who prescribed it, as this could affect your underlying condition.
How the Combination Might Affect Blood Pressure
Both tadalafil and bromocriptine can lower blood pressure, though they do so through different mechanisms. Tadalafil relaxes blood vessels throughout the body (not just in the penis), which can cause a mild drop in blood pressure. Bromocriptine, particularly when you first start taking it or increase the dose, can cause postural hypotension—a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up, leading to dizziness or fainting.
If you experience dizziness, light-headedness, or feel faint after taking tadalafil and bromocriptine together, sit or lie down until the feeling passes, and mention it to your GP or prescriber. They may adjust the dose or timing of one or both medicines. Drinking alcohol can make low blood pressure worse, so it's best to limit alcohol when using tadalafil.
What you need to know
- No major interaction between tadalafil and bromocriptine is commonly reported in clinical practice
- Both medicines can lower blood pressure, so your prescriber will check your full history before approving tadalafil
- Always declare all current medicines during your consultation, including bromocriptine and any new treatments
- Start tadalafil at the lowest dose and monitor for dizziness or light-headedness
- Never take tadalafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers—this combination is dangerous
What Your Prescriber Will Check Before Approving Tadalafil
When you request tadalafil through Cured Pharmacy's online consultation, a UK-registered prescriber will review your answers to ensure the treatment is safe and suitable for you. They will check your current medicines (including bromocriptine), any other health conditions (especially heart, liver, or kidney problems), and whether you have any contraindications to PDE5 inhibitors.
Tadalafil must never be taken with nitrates (such as GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate, or isosorbide dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs called 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites), because the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [4]. If you take alpha-blockers for prostate symptoms (such as tamsulosin or doxazosin), you must be stable on that medicine and will usually start on the lowest dose of tadalafil.
The prescriber will also check whether you take any medicines that affect how tadalafil is broken down in the body. Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, or clarithromycin) can raise tadalafil levels, requiring a lower maximum dose. Conversely, CYP3A4 inducers (like rifampicin, carbamazepine, or St John's wort) can reduce tadalafil's effectiveness. Your prescriber will adjust the dose or advise whether tadalafil is appropriate based on your full medication list [4].
Declaring All Your Medicines
It's vital to list every medicine you take during the consultation, including those prescribed by different doctors, over-the-counter treatments, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Even if you think a medicine is unrelated to ED, it may interact with tadalafil or give the prescriber important information about your overall health.
If you start a new medicine after being approved for tadalafil, check with your GP or pharmacist whether it is safe to continue. Similarly, if your bromocriptine dose changes or you develop new symptoms, let your prescriber know before taking your next dose of tadalafil.
Practical Advice for Taking Tadalafil and Bromocriptine Together
If your prescriber approves tadalafil while you are taking bromocriptine, start with the lowest effective dose (usually 10mg on-demand or 2.5mg daily) to see how you respond. Take tadalafil as directed—on-demand tablets at least 30 minutes before sexual activity, or daily tablets at the same time each day. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
Monitor for any new symptoms, especially dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, particularly when you stand up. If you experience these, sit or lie down, avoid driving or operating machinery, and contact your GP or prescriber. Staying well hydrated and avoiding heavy alcohol can help reduce the risk of low blood pressure.
Continue taking your bromocriptine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop, reduce, or increase the dose without medical advice, as this could affect your underlying condition (such as Parkinson's disease or high prolactin levels). If you have any concerns about how the medicines are working together, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or the prescriber who approved your tadalafil.
When to get urgent help
- Erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)—go to A&E immediately
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes—seek urgent medical help
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, possibly with ringing in the ears or dizziness
- Chest pain during or after sexual activity—stop and seek help; do not take nitrates if you have used tadalafil in the past 48 hours
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or feeling very unwell after taking tadalafil and bromocriptine together
Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While tadalafil is generally well tolerated, certain symptoms require urgent medical attention. If you develop an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), go to A&E immediately, as this can cause permanent damage to the penis if not treated promptly [4]. Priapism is rare but is a medical emergency.
Seek urgent help if you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing (which may be accompanied by ringing in the ears or dizziness). These are rare but serious side effects that need immediate assessment [4]. If you develop chest pain during or after sexual activity, stop and seek medical help—do not take nitrate medicines (such as GTN spray) if you have used tadalafil in the past 48 hours, as the combination is dangerous.
If you feel severely dizzy, faint, or unwell after taking tadalafil and bromocriptine together, or if you have any other symptoms that worry you, contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. Always keep your prescriber and GP informed of any side effects or concerns, so they can adjust your treatment if needed.
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience side effects from tadalafil or bromocriptine, you can report them via the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or by searching for 'Yellow Card' in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting helps the MHRA monitor the safety of medicines and improve patient care.
Declare All Your Medicines
Always list every medicine you take during your tadalafil consultation, including bromocriptine, over-the-counter treatments, and supplements. This ensures your prescriber can check for interactions and approve the safest dose for you.
Scientific References
- NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 18 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 18 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 18 October 2026]
Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.
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Pricing Disclaimer: Prices on some pages may not be up to date — the live pricing table below and pricing shown during consultation are official current prices and take precedence over any other figures on the site.
Common Questions
Can I take tadalafil if I'm on bromocriptine for high prolactin?
Yes, in most cases. No major interaction is commonly reported, but your prescriber will check your full medication list and medical history to ensure the combination is safe for you.
Will bromocriptine affect how well tadalafil works?
Bromocriptine is not known to reduce the effectiveness of tadalafil. In fact, if high prolactin is contributing to your ED, treating it with bromocriptine may improve your sexual function.
Do I need to take tadalafil and bromocriptine at different times of day?
There is no specific requirement to separate the doses, but follow the instructions for each medicine. Take bromocriptine as your doctor prescribed, and tadalafil as directed (on-demand or daily).
What should I do if I feel dizzy after taking both medicines?
Sit or lie down until the feeling passes, and avoid standing up quickly. If dizziness persists or is severe, contact your GP or prescriber, as they may need to adjust your dose.
Can I drink alcohol while taking tadalafil and bromocriptine?
Limit alcohol, as it can worsen low blood pressure and make ED worse. Heavy drinking increases the risk of dizziness and reduces the effectiveness of tadalafil.
Is it safe to take tadalafil if I have Parkinson's disease and take bromocriptine?
Usually, yes, but your prescriber will review your overall health, heart function, and other medicines. Parkinson's disease itself does not prevent tadalafil use, but individual assessment is essential.
What if I start a new medicine while taking tadalafil and bromocriptine?
Always check with your GP or pharmacist before starting any new medicine, as it may interact with tadalafil or bromocriptine. Do not stop or change your prescribed medicines without advice.
How do I order tadalafil from Cured Pharmacy if I take bromocriptine?
Complete the online consultation, listing bromocriptine and all other medicines you take. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers and approve tadalafil if it is safe and suitable for you.
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Medically reviewed by
Tarun Kumar, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)